INTRODUCTION TO BLENDED LEARNING Bill Wisser, Ph.D. Simmons College 24 April 2012
What is Blended Learning? What does a Blended course look like? What are the advantages and challenges of Blended Learning?
What is Blended Learning? OLF2F Blended
What is Blended Learning? “…a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning.” UCF Blend toolkit “…the thoughtful fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences.” Garrison and Vaughn, Blended Learning in Higher Education “ …a significant amount of the learning activities have been moved online, and time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated” Garnham & Kaleta, Introduction to Hybrid Courses
What is Blended Learning? “…a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning.” UCF Blend toolkit “…the thoughtful fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences.” Garrison and Vaughn, Blended Learning in Higher Education “ …a significant amount of the learning activities have been moved online, and time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated” Garnham and Kaleta, Introduction to Hybrid Courses
What is Blended Learning not?
What is Blended Learning? …combines the best of face-to-face learning and the best of online learning to create something different.
Face to Face Community building Trust building Spontaneous reaction Clarification Online Reflection Analysis Exploration Creation
What does a Blended course look like? Integrated Purposeful Learner focused
Structure F2F OL
Structure F2F OL
Structure F2F OL F2F
Advantages
Simmons Faculty Satisfaction Survey
Advantages of blended learning …best of both worlds …increased communication …enhanced participation …more peer interaction …flexibility for students
Advantages of blended learning …best of both worlds …increased communication …enhanced participation …more peer interaction …flexibility for students
No restrictions Promotes active learning Higher student engagement Flexibility Advantages of Blended
Challenges
Simmons Faculty Satisfaction Survey
Challenges to Blended Learning …time …students aren’t ready for it …time and task management …change in method of teaching …time it takes to clarify concepts …difficult to assess
Challenges to Blended Learning …time …students aren’t ready for it …time and task management …change in method of teaching …time it takes to clarify concepts …difficult to assess
Challenges to Blended Learning New paradigm for design and teaching Requires redesign Time!
Common Traps Building a course and a half
Common Traps
The activity trap
A suggested process
Backwards Design Outcomes
Backwards Design Outcomes Evidence
Backwards Design Outcomes Evidence Learning Sequence
General suggestions Lead with the outcomes Start simple Get help Assess, reflect, and revise
Resources Video Interviews Course Tours Tool showcase Sample Course Materials Recommended Exercises
Resources